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Trophy Care |
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Big River Avian Taxidermy |
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By: Darren Johnson |
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Your satisfaction begins in the field!
Here are a few tips that will help ensure that your trophy reaches it’s full potential as a mount! |
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In the field:
Handle your birds with care.
If possible, personally retrieve your birds. Dogs may tear holes in bird skins or break feathers
Never wring the neck of a bird that you want mounted. Instead, grasp the bird tightly across the breast, behind the wings, and squeeze firmly until it succumbs.
Carry birds by the feet, NOT by the head.
Do not field dress a bird that you want mounted.
Place cotton in the nostrils, mouth, vent, and shot holes to prevent fluids from getting on the plumage.
Place your birds in a dark cool place as soon as possible.
Never place birds in direct sunlight or with other warm birds.
At home:
It’s a good idea to take note of any distinguishing characteristics and to take some up close pictures of the bird to give to your taxidermist.
Tape wet cotton around the feet and head with masking tape. Do not get tape on the feathers.
Place the head under one wing and slide the bird head first into a woman’s nylon stocking.
For a long tailed bird, lay it on a piece of cardboard that is as long as the bird. Lay another piece over the tail. Sandwich the tail feather between the pieces of cardboard with by wrapping plastic wrap around the entire bird.
Placed the bird in a large plastic bag and wrap with masking tape to keep the bag from coming off.
If you have room in your freezer, place the wrapped bird in a cardboard box to prevent it from being crushed while in storage.
Though the best idea is to take your trophy directly to the taxidermist, following these procedures should keep your birds in good shape. Please remember that birds kept longer than 6 months may begin to freezer burn.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line! |